Ingredients

1 loaf country bread (about 3/4 pound), sliced into 10 1/4-inch-thick slices

1 clove garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons olive oil

Coarse salt

1 1/2 large bunches (about 1 1/4 pounds) asparagus, tough ends trimmed

8 ounces fontina or Monterey Jack cheese, grated on the large holes of a box grater (about 2 cups)

2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated on the small holes of a box grater (about 1/4 cup)

2 tablespoons truffle oil (optional)

Preparation

Heat grill or broiler. Grill bread slices until golden on both sides. Rub one side with garlic; brush lightly with oil.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat; add salt generously. Add asparagus, and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Drain asparagus, and set aside.

Place toasted bread on a baking sheet, and sprinkle fontina evenly over slices. Arrange about 3 to 4 asparagus spears on top of each. Sprinkle Parmesan over asparagus, dividing evenly.

Bake until cheese has melted, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and drizzle with truffle oil, if using.